Mr Karting: A tribute to Martin Hines

The unexpected death of Martin Hines last weekend robbed motorsport of one of its most successful and charismatic men. Marcus Pye could count him as a friend, and pays tribute to 'Mr Karting'

Martin Hines, who died on August 28 at the age of 64, was a hero to three generations of kart racers and, perhaps unusually, many of his contemporaries.

As the man who – with his father Mark - not only sowed the first proper seeds of the industry in Britain, but also nurtured it to maturity through his vision and business acumen, Hines' contribution to the small-wheeled sport was incalculable, his influence within it profound.